This past week, our little family of three got to go on an awesome vacation to Chicago and Michigan. Today, I'm recapping the Chicago leg of our trip {because let's be honest...a trip to Chicago could easily take up a whole week's worth of posts!} and later this week, I'll recap Michigan!
I've been to Chicago several times before, but this was the first time we got to stay in the city and really just enjoy being there. Our two best friends live in Lincoln Park which is such a charming little neighborhood. Think beautiful homes and quaint shops...I was in heaven.
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The city is so beautiful...especially at night!
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A total bonus to our trip was meeting the beautiful Danielle Moss {of The Everygirl} and Buddy too! Danielle and I became friends ever since she designed my blog and we chatted here and there, but meeting in person was just so much fun! She was every bit of what I expected...so fun and genuine. And she only lives a couple blocks from our friends, so we met up for a walk and coffee. Perfection!
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We didn't to too many touristy things {except for pigging out big time...more to come on that below!} but a coupe neat things we got to do is visit my friend at her work. She works for Trunk Club...which is an awesome site for men who need fashion help. Their building was AWESOME...especially the roof deck...check out those views!
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We also went to the Lincoln Park zoo...which was free! But you would never know...they literally had every kind of animal you could think of, including...
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Giant gorillas!! I mean...look at that thing! There were two baby gorillas in there too...Ethan was totally enthralled!
And we saw tigers too!
Last...we stuffed ourselves silly! Here's a snapshot of where we ate:
Clockwise from top left:
We had an amazing Italian dinner at this cute little neighborhood restaurant called Sapori Trattoria. The Cappellacci di Zucca {a type of pumpkin ravioli} was to.die.for.
We didn't get to eat here...but we passed the Girl and the Goat and her diner which both looked amazing. Maybe next time {sans baby!}.
A delicious bacon maple bar and lemon doughnut from Glazed and Infused...yum!
A refreshing lavender mimosa at Perennial Virant...easily one of my favorite restaurants that we went to.
The girls about to enjoy steak frites at Mon Ami Gabi.
The most delicious shaved brussel sprout salad from Hub 51. It was so good I've since recreated it at home!
The adorable outdoor bar and decor at RM Champagne Salon.
And last...the housemade lavender doughnut with plum vanilla glaze and cute decor at Perennial Virant {did I mention it was one of our favorites?!}.
We also went to Mercadito {thanks for the recommendations!} for Mexican, City Grounds for lattes, Armitage Pizzeria for pizza, and Vanille Patisserie for French macarons.
I am stuffed just from thinking of all of that food again. Honestly...Chicago had so many amazing restaurants...we could have easily stayed another week, just to eat out more!
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We were so lucky to have such amazing hosts...thanks to Cam and Mer for showing us around and hosting our traveling circus!
Next up...Michigan!
xo natasha
Such a fun trip! And now I want to go to Chicago just to have some of that amazing food!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Chicago but it is definitely on my travel bucket list! Did you find it an easy city to do with a baby?
ReplyDeleteSeems like a fun time! The food looks amazing! How was traveling with Ethan? We leave in 2 weeks to Oregon and I'm scared about the flight with my 18 month old. I think my daughter will be ok, it's him I'm worried about. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys had an awesome time! So much more fun to visit a city when you know someone who lives there and they can show you around. We stayed with a friend of mine in Lincoln Park when we went to Chicago last Memorial Day weekend and it is such a pretty area, I love it! We also went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, and I was really impressed by how nice it was for being free as well. Can't wait to see your Michigan pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago! I've been there twice and there's so much to do and eat and see. Such a great city. Glad you all had a good time!
ReplyDeletelooks like such an awesome trip...seriously need to go back to Chicago!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome trip! We've only been to Chicago for New Year's Eve, when it was literally freezing!! I'd love to re-visit the city during warmer weather. We still had a great time and saw as much as we could, but I feel like there is so much more to see.
ReplyDeleteAwesome trip! Ive only been to Chicago for work trips, would love to play tourist!
ReplyDeleteAh it looks like so much fun! That is so awesome that you got to meet Danielle! I need to get back to the Windy City, such a cool place.
ReplyDeleteSounds and looks like tons of fun! I love the last pic of the baby!
ReplyDeleteAll that food!! Looks so delicious. I am so envious of Meredith's work!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic trip. Loved following along on IG.
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun... and that food! Ah, it sounds so so good :) xxx
ReplyDeleteWow! I think we need to take a trip to Chicago! The food sounds amazing! I love trying new restaurants and this made me crave something unique!
ReplyDeletelove your dress in the first photo! looks like such a fun trip!
ReplyDeletehttp://scaifebabywatch.blogspot.com/
We loved having y'all and you should ABSOLUTELY come back to stay!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I hope to go to Chicago in the next year or so - considering it's fairly close to me I am shocked that I haven't gone!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recap!
How fun that you got to meet Danielle and Buddy. We used to get together when she lived in LA :)
ReplyDeleteA girl I knew in high school (Birdie) also works for Trunk Club in Chicago. Small world!
I've never been to Chicago but it's on my must visit list!
Looks like such a fun vacation Natasha! I love Chicago and am due for a visit. My Aunt lives there...that's where my parents are from. It's a great city. Your meals sounded fabulous. Little E is quite the traveler!
ReplyDeleteHey Natasha! You graduated before I pledged, but I'm also an Epsilon Epsilon DDD :) Actually, I'm Jamie B's little. Anyways, just thought I'd say hello - your blog and Ethan are adorable!
ReplyDeletedl, Erin
www.livintheglamlife.com
Love love love Chicago, especially in the summer! Glad you guys had Mercadito, its one of my faves!
ReplyDeleteLiterally just booked 3-4 reservations for our trip next weekend based on your recs. Thanks so much for putting them all in one place! Looks like you guys had so much fun!! : )
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip! We love Chicago. The food is fabulous! We'll be there again in November and I'm so excited to eat!
ReplyDeletewhat a FUN FUN trip! we have never been there but would love to go!
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